Below is the full text of the press release from Commissioner Dan Saltzman’s office regarding his support of moving the Sauvie Island Bridge span and re-using it as a bicycle and pedestrian bridge over I-405 in Northwest Portland. Full story here.

Commissioner Saltzman announced today his support to move the old Sauvie Island Bridge to NW Flanders as a bicycle and pedestrian overpass of Interstate 405.

On April 2nd Portland City Council considered a proposal to reuse the old Sauvie Island Bridge as a pedestrian and bicycle bridge. The proposal failed to gain the votes on the council to gain approval. Commissioner Dan Saltzman, a supporter of the concept of re-using the bridge was concerned about the proposed contract.

“This project is a great reuse of a historic bridge that will provide enhanced safety for bicyclists and pedestrians,” said Commissioner Saltzman, “but I was not comfortable with approving the largest no-bid contract in the City’s history without examining the options to lower the price through a competitive bidding process”

During the intervening weeks, Commissioners Saltzman and Adams worked to create a proposal that moves the project forward that ensures price stability and includes a competitive bid component by:

· Requiring all funding to be in place before executing contracts associated with the project;
· Requiring formal bids for all construction related to the project; and
· Having a guaranteed maximum price for all services related to the relocation of the bridge.

“We are a city of bridges and this proposal is consistent with that heritage, I look forward to seeing this bridge become Portland’s next landmark” Commissioner Saltzman commented.